Roger Williams Independent Voice Award

I am honored and humbled to be named the 2013 winner of the Roger Williams Independent Voice Award from the Flickers: Rhode Island International Film Festival, to be presented 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 6, at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence during the festival's opening night.

"Wayne has a remarkable body of work that truly represents the spirit of the award," festival executive director George Marshall told The Providence Journal. "Indeed, he has illuminated the lives of the diverse folks who have allowed him to tell their stories."

The story noted: "Over more than three decades at The Journal, Miller's work has ranged from coverage of Newport society and the life of former Gov. Bruce Sundlun to the experiences of Frank Beazley, an advocate for people with disabilities, and returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans chronicled in the 2011 series 'The War on Terror: Coming Home.' "

 The award is presented to "to an outstanding artist whose vision promotes tolerance, compassion and understanding. Named after the founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams, who established an American tradition of religious freedom and individual liberty that was encoded in The Bill of Rights," according to the festival. Past winners include Trinity Rep actress Barbara Meek and stage and screen actor Paul Sorvino.

Credit for this award, of course, goes to the many people over many years who have shared their stories with me for my films, books and Providence Journal work. And so I thank all of them! Please join me on August 6 at opening night of the festival at The Vets.

Barbara Meek, winner of the 2012 Roger Williams Independent Voice Award, with friend. Courtesy RIIFF.